STrengthening Research Opportunities for NIH Grants (STRONG): Structured Institutional Needs Assessment and Action Plan Development for Resource Limited Institutions (RLIs) (UC2 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The STrengthening Research Opportunities for NIH Grants (STRONG): Structured Institutional Needs Assessment and Action Plan Development for Resource Limited Institutions (RLIs) funding opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically through the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), along with numerous participating NIH Institutes and Centers. This program, identified by the funding opportunity number PAR-23-144, aims to support Resource-Limited Institutions in conducting assessments of their biomedical research capacities and developing strategic action plans based on those assessments. RLIs are institutions awarding degrees in health professions, STEM, and social and behavioral sciences that have received an average of $0 to $25 million in NIH Research Project Grant support over the past three fiscal years. The grant’s purpose is to enhance the research infrastructure and capacity of RLIs by first performing a comprehensive needs assessment and then using those results to develop a detailed, evidence-based action plan. These assessments will address a wide range of institutional areas including administrative processes, research infrastructure, student and faculty development, and collaborative opportunities. Institutions are expected to tailor their assessments and action plans to their unique contexts and needs. Implementation of the action plan is not funded through this opportunity but is intended to guide future efforts and funding pursuits. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education that fall under two categories of RLIs: Low Research Active (LRA) and High Research Active (HRA). LRAs must award undergraduate or graduate degrees, have less than $6 million annually in NIH RPG support, and at least 35% of undergraduate students receiving Pell grants. HRAs must grant doctoral degrees and have received $6 million to $25 million annually in NIH RPG support. Only one application is allowed per institution. Foreign institutions and foreign components are not eligible to apply. The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement (UC2), indicating substantial involvement from NIH staff in project oversight. The maximum budget is $250,000 per year in direct costs, with a maximum project period of three years. Applications that propose clinical trials are not allowed. Funds may not be used for infrastructure, pilot projects, or renovations, and must include travel costs for required NIH meetings. Applicants must also establish institutional steering committees and participate in a broader STRONG Executive Steering Committee during the award period. Applications require detailed project narratives including significance, innovation, approach, governance, milestones, and institutional commitment. Required attachments include a letter of institutional eligibility and an institutional commitment letter. Applications must be submitted through the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional systems. Key dates include a letter of intent due August 18, 2023, and application due dates on September 18 for 2023, 2024, and 2025, with reviews and earliest start dates aligned accordingly. Contact information for scientific, peer review, and financial queries is detailed extensively in the funding opportunity announcement, with primary contacts listed under NIMHD and other participating NIH Institutes. A technical assistance webinar was scheduled for July 21 to support potential applicants, and comprehensive application instructions are provided to ensure compliance with NIH policy.